UK natives Venom Prison is currently out with the Devastation on the Nation tour with Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested, Disentomb, and Arkaik. The band fronted by vocalist Larissa Stupar, began in 2015 and has been a force to reckon with in the metal scene. Venom Prison incorporates a sound using a mix of death metal, grindcore, and hardcore, into a symphony of breakdowns and blast beats, which is an animal in and of itself. I was able to speak with Larissa after their set to learn more about this powerful band.
GA: I was looking online for information on the Venom Prison. I found that the band started around 2015 and had two Eps prior to dropping your full Length with Prosthetic Records in October of 2016. Can you tell me a little more about the band and its beginnings?
LS: We all have been in hardcore bands before, so this is our first metal band. When we started we weren’t quite as extreme as we are now. We have progressed a little bit. Currently we are writing our new album and out on this five-week tour. This is after doing a seven-week tour with Trivium, so we are enjoying our time in America.
GA: I listened to Animus and I must say it is a banger of an album, there are so many different elements that keep the music moving along and interesting. What is the bands’ writing process when coming up with newer material?
LS: We all come together in a home studio and write what is on our minds. Then we will record rough tracks, and sort of puzzle songs together. While the guys write the music, I will work on the lyrics. Then, we will do preproduction before we go to record, so we all know what we have to do. If we have to change anything we don’t like, we have the time and means to do it before the recording process. That is what we are doing right now for our next album.
GA: Out of all the elements of metal the band has at their disposal what has to be your favorite thing to write, i.e. slams, breakdowns, grinds, technical riffs?

LS: If I am going to speak for everyone I am going to say the technical parts and the slams.
GA: You mentioned there is a new album in the works is there anything you can tell me about it?
LS: It will be out on Prosthetic Records again. The band is going to record in July when we get home from Devastation on the Nation. So far it is heavier, more technical, and the lyrics are more brutal and intelligent that our previous releases.
GA: What makes touring in the United States different from touring in the UK?
LS: I think the biggest difference is we have never toured the US before, and it is exciting going to new places, meeting new people, and seeing what it is like for the band. So far it has been great. People that have come to the shows are amazing. The crowds mosh and have fun, and they are less reserved then they are in Europe I would say.
GA: Any city you are looking forward to visiting while on this tour?
LS: Everything pretty much!
GA: Venom Prison has shared the stage with many heavy hitters in the past. What is it like for the band to be a part of such a massive tour as Devastation on the Nation?
LS: It is amazing. This is one of the most extreme tours around and being a part of this line up is cool as fuck. Every band slams and is heavy as shit. We enjoy being a part of this.
GA: Are there any type of warm-up techniques, or pre-show rituals you do to get ready to perform?
LS: I usually do warm ups when I have the time, or when I have the space to be on my own because I don’t like doing them when others are around. It is kind of weird. That is pretty much it, the guys warm up as well with their instruments.
GA: Does the band have any equipment endorsements you would want to mention?
LS: We are endorsed by Blackstar amplification, and Jackson guitars. Our drummer also uses Paiste cymbals.
GA: Where can people keep up with the band online, and if they want to purchase any merch where can they find your store at?
LS: Venom Prison .com (http://www.venomprison.com/) is where are merch is at. We also have a US shop with Holy Mountain (https://holymountainprinting.myshopify.com/collections/venom-prison). We are also active on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/venomprison/), Instagram (@venomprison), and Twitter (@venomprison).
GA: Anything else you would like to add?
LS: We love it in America, and we hope to come back soon.

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George Archibald

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